FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2014) – Marcus D. Goodson, executive director of the Lee County Housing Authority, announces that the agency has achieved a High Performer rating in its Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) score.

The REAC score is an inspection grade the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues on public-housing properties based on the physical and financial condition, and Management Operating and Capital Fund Program. LCHA’s score improved from a 66 in 2010 to a 93 in 2012 and again in 2013.

“We are very pleased to have received such a high score for two years running,” said Goodson. “This agency previously had challenges with mismanagement, but this score obviously shows we are maintaining strides to improve our operations.”

REAC’s mission is to provide and promote the effective use of accurate, timely and reliable information assessing the condition of HUD’s portfolio, provide information to help ensure safe, decent and affordable housing and to restore the public trust by identifying fraud, abuse and waste of HUD resources.

The LCHA oversees 142 low-income rental units at three sites in North Fort Myers and administers 271 vouchers in Lee County. Section 8 is a federal rent subsidy program under HUD that provides vouchers to eligible households. The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to private landlords for approved units selected by the voucher holder.

The mission of the Lee County Housing Authority is to assist low-income families with safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve their lives. The LCHA is committed to operating in an efficient, ethical and professional manner and will create and maintain partnerships with its clients and appropriate community agencies in order to accomplish this mission.

Programs offered through the LCHA include public housing, Section 8 Housing Vouchers, Family Self-Sufficiency and Resident Opportunity Self Sufficiency.

For more information, call 239-997-6688.